Winter light festivals across Europe
Winter light festivals are one of the most magical family events of the year: glowing art, illuminated trees and canals full of colour, all after an early sunset. From late November, Amsterdam, Lyon, Berlin, Copenhagen and Zagreb light up, and because it gets dark so early, even small children can see the show. Here is what is on, what suits which age and how to manage crowds and cold.
What's on: dates, places and prices
The main season runs from late November to January, with Lyon's famous festival in early December. Some festivals are free city events, others are ticketed trails with time slots.
| Festival | City | When | Ticket | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam Light Festival | Amsterdam | late November to mid-January | walking route free, boats paid | free to mid-range |
| Fête des Lumières | Lyon | 5–8 December 2024 | free | free |
| Christmas Garden | Berlin and other German cities | mid-November to early January | timed tickets | mid-range |
| Tivoli Christmas | Copenhagen | mid-November to early January | entry ticket | mid-range |
| Advent Zagreb | Zagreb | Advent to early January | free | free |
| GLOW | Eindhoven | early to mid-November | free | free |
Price per adult: free, budget = under about €10, mid-range = about €10–30, premium = over €30. Approximate; check the official website before you go.
See family attractions in Amsterdam on the Kid.ooo map
What's in it for kids by age
Little ones love bright colours and moving lights, while older kids enjoy interactive installations and the art behind them.
- Toddlers (1–3): short trails like Christmas Garden, in a carrier or pram, before bedtime.
- Preschoolers (3–6): illuminated animals, tunnels of light and music.
- School kids (6–12): interactive pieces, light projections on buildings and a boat ride in Amsterdam.
- Teens: Lyon's big projection shows and the art festival feel of Amsterdam and Eindhoven.
Top winter light festivals for families
Amsterdam is best by boat, Lyon is the biggest show, and Christmas Garden is the easiest with small kids.
Amsterdam and Eindhoven
The Amsterdam Light Festival places light art along the canals of the city centre. You can follow the route on foot or see it from a canal boat, which children love. In the south of the Netherlands, GLOW Eindhoven has just finished its November edition, a free walking route of light art.
Lyon and Strasbourg
The Fête des Lumières in Lyon runs from 5 to 8 December 2024. Buildings, squares and parks become huge canvases for light shows, and locals put candles in their windows. Nearby, Strasbourg combines Christmas markets with illuminated streets and a giant tree.
Berlin, Copenhagen and Zagreb
The Christmas Garden trail in the Berlin Botanic Garden, and in several other German cities, is a walk of about two kilometres through illuminated trees, tunnels and installations, with hot drinks along the way. In Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens shines with thousands of lights and rides. Advent Zagreb lights up parks and squares across the city centre.
Practical: parking, prams and baby change
Use public transport, arrive just after dark and dress everyone warmly.
- Parking: city centres are busy, so use park-and-ride or trains.
- Prams: fine at Christmas Garden and Tivoli; a carrier is easier in Lyon and on Amsterdam's narrow bridges.
- Baby change: shopping centres, museums and large cafés near the routes.
- Warm clothes: hats, gloves and waterproof boots; you will be outside for a long time.
- Safety: agree on a meeting point and write your phone number on a wristband.
Where to eat nearby
Eat an early dinner before the festival or take warm snacks along. Christmas Garden and Tivoli have food stands with waffles, sausages and hot chocolate. In Lyon, a simple bouchon lunch is better than trying to find a table in the evening. Find kid-friendly restaurants near the routes on the Kid.ooo map.
Alternatives if it's busy
If the crowds are too much, choose a weekday, go early or visit a Christmas market with lights instead. Our list of Christmas markets in Europe with kids has calmer options. On rainy evenings, try one of the best children's museums, many of which have late openings in winter. And if you loved Tivoli's pumpkins, see our Halloween guide.
For family travel inspiration across Europe, follow @mamanvoyage on Instagram.
More attractions on the Kid.ooo map
Kid.ooo is a free kid-friendly places map where parents share attractions, playgrounds and cafés across Europe. Look up things to do with kids in Amsterdam, Lyon or Berlin and save a warm café for after the light trail.
Find kids attractions in Berlin on the Kid.ooo map
Missing a place you loved? Add it to Kid.ooo and help the next family looking for winter lights.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best light festival in Europe for kids?
The Christmas Garden trails in Germany are among the easiest with small children, because they are compact, pram-friendly and start early in the evening. Amsterdam Light Festival is great by boat, and Lyon's Fête des Lumières is spectacular but very crowded.
When is the Fête des Lumières in Lyon in 2024?
The Fête des Lumières 2024 takes place from 5 to 8 December in Lyon. It is free, but the city centre gets extremely busy, so families should go early in the evening and avoid the busiest squares.
Are light festivals suitable for toddlers?
Yes, if you go early. It gets dark around 4.30 or 5 pm in November and December, so toddlers can enjoy the lights before their usual bedtime. Bring a carrier, warm clothes and a snack.
Do you need tickets for light festivals?
It depends. Lyon's Fête des Lumières and many city light trails are free, while ticketed trails like Christmas Garden and the boat routes in Amsterdam need booking, often with time slots.
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